Cold in pregnancy: how to treat it and drugs to avoid

However, there are several remedies that can help you find relief from cold symptoms in pregnancy.

• Rest so your body has more energy to fight the infection.
• Drink often to stay hydrated. In addition to water, hot herbal tea with honey can help relieve a cough and sore throat.
• Follow a healthy diet rich in vitamins and mineral salts (vegetables and fruit).
• Do nasal washes with saline solution to free the stuffy nose and avoid the stagnation of secretions. As an alternative to the classic syringes, you can use a spray, a nasal shower (rinowash) or an aerosol device.
• Reduce nasal congestion by making suffumigi (fumes) with hot water. A warm shower or bath can help further, as can a room humidifier.
• Keep your head elevated while you sleep, using an extra pillow.
• Gargle with warm salt water to soothe sore throat.
• Avoid exposure to smoke and other irritants so as not to further inflame the mucous membranes.

Cold medicines in pregnancy: what to take in the first, second and third trimester

In general, a pregnant woman should always consult her doctor before taking any medication , even if:

• she has already taken it before pregnancy
• it is an over-the-counter, herbal or phytotherapeutic product, which can be purchased without a prescription.

In fact, some medicines are not compatible with pregnancy because they can be harmful to the fetus . Others, on the other hand, can only be taken in certain gestational periods (for example after the first trimester) or in reduced doses.

Here is some information on commonly used cold medicines and their use during pregnancy.

• Acetaminophen: It is generally considered safe for relieving cold symptoms in pregnancy, even in the first trimester .
• Ibuprofen: like other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it should not be taken during pregnancy unless specifically prescribed by your doctor. In particular, NSAIDs are absolutely contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy , because they can cause premature closure of a blood vessel essential for the oxygenation of the fetus (Botallo’s duct). In addition, they can reduce the amount of amniotic fluid, possibly affecting the urinary system of the fetus. This second effect, however, is absolutely reversible.
• Cough medicines (mucolytics): Not all medicines in this group are safe in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Before using them, it is important to consult your doctor .
• Nasal decongestants: Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine- based decongestants are not recommended during pregnancy , especially in the first trimester. On the other hand , nasal sprays based on saline (physiological) or hyaluronic acid are considered safe for all trimesters .

Is a cold during pregnancy dangerous?

The common cold is an infection that is usually harmless to mother and child. However, it is important to contact your doctor if:

• symptoms last for a couple of days without any improvement;
• fever reaches or exceeds 38.9°C.

In fact, too high a temperature can have negative consequences on the well-being of the child.

In this regard, we should remember that the flu in pregnancy , especially in the second or third trimester, can have more serious symptoms than in the general population .

For this, in case of flu symptoms such as:

• sudden high fever
• chills
• muscle aches
• sore throat (that gets worse instead of better)

it is always a good idea to consult your trusted doctor .

We also remind you that, in recent years, the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) recommends vaccinating all pregnant women against the flu , whatever their age.